The judgment
Grace brings success, but only in small matters. Form matters, but must not replace substance.
The image
Fire at the foot of the mountain. So the wise person clarifies ordinary matters but does not dare decide great disputes.
The six lines
- Nine at the beginningAdorn your feet: leave the carriage and walk.
- Six in the second placeAdorning the beard: form follows substance.
- Nine in the third placeRadiant and moist: lasting steadiness brings good fortune.
- Six in the fourth placeGrace or simplicity? A white horse arrives at a gallop: not an enemy, but a suitor.
- Six in the fifth placeGrace among hills and gardens: the gift is modest, humiliation, but in the end good fortune.
- Nine at the topA simple, white grace: no blame.
Commentary
Form, beauty and manners matter, but they are not enough. Take care of how things look without forgetting substance. In small matters a touch of grace helps; in big decisions substance is needed. In the end simplicity is the highest elegance.
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